|
Gretna, VA | Be glad this does mot apply in your state -
Virginia has an antiquated law known as the "Right to retrieve" law Virginia code section 18.2-136, states "...hunters of all other game, when the chase begins on other lands, may go upon prohibited lands to retrieve their dogs.."
This law allows hunters to go upon any private property without permission at any time day or night. The law doesn't stipulate to the number of "owners" or the length of stay. Essentially, this law turns our private property into public property.
What's more, under Virginia code 3.2-6538, hunting dogs are permitted to "run at large" and not required to be under the owner's immediate control.
What's this mean for the Virginia landowner?
Hunting dogs are permitted on your property and there's nothing you can do about it. By law, you have no recourse for stopping a solo hunting dog or a pack of dogs on your property even if they are damaging your property or harassing you or your pets. Additionally, you can't stop an owner of a hunting dog from roaming your property if they claim to be retrieving their dog. Calling law enforcement is futile since the law specifically allows hunting dogs to run free. | |
|